Hampton Player Won't Attend Virginia Tech

BLACKSBURG — Virginia Tech's streak of losing football players to grades has continued.

Hampton High lineman James Wilson, one of the Hokies' top signees for next season, was released from his letter-of-intent and will sign with the University of Tennessee.

"He was not admitted to Virginia Tech and he will go to Tennessee," Hampton Coach Mike Smith said. "There was a problem with admissions.

"He decided to go to Tennessee. The decision was made and he looked no further. He obtained a release and chose Tennessee."

Wilson, a first-team All-Group AAA selection, met Proposition 48 qualifications (a 2.0 grade-point average and a 700 on the Scholastic Aptitude Test). He reportedly failed an algebra class, leaving him with only two math credits. Tech requires three math courses for admission.

Six Hokies have been declared academically ineligible for next season, including four starters from last year's 3-8 team.

Tech Coach Frank Beamer was not available for comment. The NCAA restricts what a coach can say about a recruit's academic standing.